Do branded painkillers work better than cheaper generic ones?

Expensively packaged tablets loudly promise rapid relief or claim to work for particular types of pain. But what’s the scientific evidence that they’re any better than their cut-price rivals?

Like most people, I am not good with pain. So when period pains are setting in, I reach for the painkillers. I bypass the branded ones stacked at eye level on supermarket shelves, in fancy packaging with multicoloured, eye-catching logos. Instead, I buy plain-looking packs of generic painkillers. To select the analgesia I want, I look for the active ingredients printed on the box, not the promises.

But it is no wonder that there is confusion. The range of over-the-counter medicines is huge and can be overwhelming, especially if you have a sore head and are feeling vulnerable. The product that shouts loudest, stating it will take away all your pain, is tempting.

Continue reading...
Share on Google Plus
    Blogger Comment
    Facebook Comment

0 comments :

Post a Comment